FITCHBURG,  MASSACHUSETTS 
1914 


INAUGURAL  ADDRESS 


OF 


Hon.  Benjamin  A*  Cook 


MAYOR 


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HON.  BENJAMIN  A.  COOK 

Mayor  of  Fitchburg 


INAUGURAL  ADDRESS 


OF 

HON.  BENJAMIN  A.  COOK 


MAYOR  OF  FITCHBURG 

1914 


FITCHBURG 

Sentinel  Printing  Company 
1914 


CITY  OF  FITCHBURG. 


In  City  Council,  January  5,  1914. 

Ordered : That  the  Mayor  be  requested  to  furnish 
forthwith  a copy  of  his  Inaugural  Address  for  publication, 
and  that  the  City  Clerk  be  and  hereby  is  instructed  to 
cause  one  hundred  copies  thereof  to  be  published  for  the 
use  of  the  City  Council. 

Attest : 

WALTER  A.  DAVIS, 

City  Clerk. 


Mayor’s  Inaugural  Address 


INAUGURAL  ADDRESS 

OF 

HON.  BENJAMIN  A.  COOK 


Gentlemen  of  the  City  Council: 

From  a viewpoint  of  over  forty  years  of  our  life  as  a 
city,  we  can  see  in  retrospect  a broad  highway  of  earnest 
endeavor,  an  ever-widening  pathway  of  honorable  and 
civic  progression — a course  at  times  beset  by  doubts  and 
misgivings,  but  ever  onward,  guided  by  the  triumphs  of 
loyalty  of  its  people  to  our  city,  and  of  willing  obedience 
to  its  laws — and  now  with  the  inspiration  of  our  city’s 
history,  the  fervent  patriotism,  the  intelligent  courage  of 
those  who  have  preceded  us,  in  our  hearts,  we  are  assem- 
bled in  accordance  with  law  and  custom  to  take  our  sev- 
eral oaths  of  office  and  to  assume,  as  directed  by  the  peo- 
ple, the  solemn  responsibilities  of  conducting  the  business 
affairs  of  our  honored  city. 

Rarely,  if  ever,  in  the  history  of  our  city  has  there 
been  such  widespread  public  interest  manifested  by  all  our 
citizens  as  at  the  present  time.  Never  has  it  been  so 
apparent  that  the  practical  voter  was  so  thoroughly  in 
earnest  concerning  public  questions  vital  to  his  interest  as 
today.  Never  has  the  voter  been  less  inclined  to  heed  the 
instructions  of  party  leaders  in  municipal  affairs.  This  is 
indeed  gratifying,  and  such  action  conforms  to  modern 
usage  in  the  conduct  of  municipal  business,  and  indicates 
as  in  no  other  way  that  we  as  citizens  are  eventually  to 
come  into  our  heritage — a city  government  responsible 
directly  to  the  people  and  for  the  benefit  of  the  whole 
people  without  regard  to  party. 

As  directors  of  our  municipal  corporation  we  are  con- 
fronted by  several  grave  problems,  chief  of  which  is,  how 


to  carry  on  the  work  of  our  various  departments  in  a 
progressive  way,  and  to  continue  to  live  within  an  income 
based  on  a just  and  reasonable  tax  rate.  This  is  an  age 
of  rapid  progression,  and  people  look  for  accomplishment 
along  progressive  ways.  The  reactionary  has  little  con- 
sideration by  the  majority,  yet  it  must  be  constantly 
borne  in  mind  that  our  income  is  limited  by  our  tax  rate, 
and  that  while  our  city’s  progress  must  not  be  hampered 
by  penurious  policy,  it  is  only  by  the  most  careful  conser- 
vation of  our  resources — the  constant  application  of  the 
axiom  that  “every  dollar  expended  must  bring  a dollar 
of  value,”  as  far  as  our  abilities  and  the  circumstances 
under  which  we  are  placed  permit,  that  we  can  give  each 
department  sufficient  funds  for  its  proper  maintenance, 
unless  the  people  are  cheerfully  willing  to  pay  a higher 
tax  rate,  which  is  hardly  probable. 

The  increase  in  our  population,  the  activity  of  our 
diversified  manufacturing  interests,  the  constant  and  just 
demands  of  our  people  for  the  extension  of  our  educa- 
tional facilities,  the  requirements  for  better  highways  and 
lighting,  and  other  needs,  would  prompt  the  recommenda- 
tion of  many  improvements  if  the  present  revenue  or  the 
prospective  revenue  of  the  city  was  such  as  to  justify 
them.  We  must  remember,  however,  that  our  city  has 
progressed  by  the  application  of  sound  business  principles, 
and  thereby  we  have  had,  in  the  past,  to  wait  for  many 
improvements  until  we  could  afford  them.  We  must  bear 
in  mind  also  that  the  Commonwealth  is  forcing  many 
new  expenses  upon  us,  whether  or  not  they  may  seem 
desirable  to  us.  Such  necessary  improvements,  however, 
as  may  seem  justified  by  our  condition  at  the  present 
time  I shall  not  hesitate  to  recommend. 

It  is  the  province  of  the  city  council  to  appropriate 
money.  The  personnel  of  these  boards  is  such  that  we 
may  all  look  to  them  for  the  exemplification  of  good  judg- 
ment in  the  exercise  of  these  duties.  I urge  their  constant 
watchfulness. 

It  has  been  said  that  “In  almost  everything,  experi- 
ence is  more  valuable  than  precept,”  and  I deem  it  reason- 
able, therefore,  in  this  inaugural,  not  to  make  many  public 
recommendations;  but  I shall,  gentlemen,  at  various  in- 
tervals during  the  year,  make  such  suggestions  to  you  in 


the  transaction  of  municipal  business  as  may  seem  expe- 
dient and  useful.  In  this  connection  I desire  to  call  your 
earnest  attention  to  the  city’s  resources  and  financial  con- 
dition. 


FINANCES. 

By  a combination  of  circumstances  over  which  no  per- 
son or  group  of  persons  has  control,  our  expenses  have 
increased  to  a point  where  danger  signals  are  obvious 
even  to  those  unaccustomed  to  study  our  city’s  finances. 
Under  the  careful  and  conservative  management  of  my 
predecessor  and  his  associates,  there  was  at  the  end  of 
the  financial  year  of  1912  a surplus  of  practically  $21,- 
000.  Notwithstanding  the  same  careful  management  dur- 
ing the  past  year,  the  additional  calls  upon  the  city’s 
funds  have  been  such  that  we  find  at  the  end  of  this  year 
there  is  reported  to  be  a corresponding  balance  of  practi- 
cally $2500,  which  indicates  that  the  city’s  income  under 
a $20  tax  rate  has  not  been  sufficient  by  about  $18,500 
to  cover  the  expenditures  which  have  been  found  neces- 
sary during  the  past  year. 

There  are  conditions  that  preclude  the  hope  of  less  ex- 
pense in  certain  departments  during  the  coming  year:  for 
instance,  the  increase  of  salaries  and  wages  which  became 
operative  the  latter  part  of  last  year  in  both  the  school 
and  highway  departments,  indicates  that  the  expense  of 
those  departments  will  be  materially  increased  for  the  year 
to  come.  I call  your  attention  also  to  the  extra  necess- 
ary expense  entailed  by  the  payment  of  principal  and  in- 
terest on  account  of  the  sewer  loan,  which  in  excess  of  last 
year’s  expense  in  the  same  items  will  amount  to  approxi- 
mately $15,000.  In  this  connection  let  me  say  that,  pro- 
vided the  sewage  disposal  plant  is  read}^  for  practical 
operation  in  September  next,  as  predicted,  there  will  be 
an  added  expense  to  cover  the  maintenance  of  this  dispo- 
sal plant  estimated  at  $40  per  day,  or  at  the  rate  of 
$15,000  per  year.  Again,  the  increased  expense  that  is 
required  of  us  by  the  Commonwealth  on  account  of  the 
act  to  provide  for  suitably  aiding  mothers  with  depend- 
ent children  will,  it  is  estimated,  increase  the  expense  of 
our  poor  department  to  the  extent  of  $4000  to  $6000 
per  annum. 

9 


By  state  law  we  are  required,  and  the  city  has  already 
provided  a tuberculosis  hospital,  the  maintenance  of  which 
also  requires  a new  outlay.  There  are  also  other  added  ex- 
penses which  I will  not  take  time  to  mention.  Improve- 
ments and  projects  like  these,  however,  mark  the  progress 
of  the  community  and  are  required  by  the  spirit  of  the 
times,  and  I simply  mention  these  facts  and  conditions  to 
indicate  to  you  by  what  rapid  strides  the  city’s  expenses 
are  increasing,  and  to  indicate  to  the  taxpayers  that  an 
increased  burden  of  taxes  will  be  theirs  unless  extensive 
improvements  are  curtailed  or  some  way  can  be  found  to 
reduce  expenses  in  directions  other  than  these  just  men- 
tioned. 

These  are  matters,  however,  squarely  up  to  the  tax- 
payers, and  as  their  representatives  and  servants  I urge 
you  to  be  alert  and  quick  to  respond  to  their  desires. 

SCHOOLS. 

The  superintendent  of  schools  reports  that  there  is 
ample  accommodation  for  lower  grade  schools  as  the 
schools  are  organized  today,  but  that  there  is  urgent  need 
of  additional  room  for  the  high  school.  The  present  high 
school  building  was  built  to  accommodate  850  pupils. 
The  school  numbers  this  year  950.  It  numbered  350  when 
it  was  placed  in  the  building  it  now  occupies.  The  super- 
intendent, basing  his  estimate  upon  conditions  that  pre- 
vail at  the  present  time,  and  legislative  action  that  is  con- 
templated, is  of  the  opinion  that  one  year  from  now  there 
will  be  1050  pupils  in  the  school,  and  that  within  three 
or  four  years  the  school  will  number  at  least  1200.  Much 
depends  upon  this  contemplated  action.  The  matter  of 
expense  enters  largely  into  the  consideration  of  this  ques- 
tion. It  may  be  expected  that  the  school  board  will  pre- 
sent to  the  city  council  plans  for  increased  facilities  for 
the  school.  It  is  hoped  that  the  question  of  expenditure 
will  be  carefully  considered.  A feeling  of  uncertainty  pre- 
vails relative  to  what  may  be  demanded,  both  with 
regard  to  legislative  enactment  and  the  demands  of  the 
public  with  reference  to  industrial  training  and  other  fea- 
tures of  school  work,  and  in  view  of  such  conditions  it 
may  be  deemed  prudent  to  make  temporary  arrangements 
for  relief  while  permanent  plans  are  being  formulated. 

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There  seems  to  be  no  doubt  that  the  time  is  coming, 
sooner  or  later,  when  expenditure  more  or  less  extraordi- 
nary will  be  required  in  furnishing  additional  facilities  for 
the  higher  grades  of  school. 

HIGHWAY  DEPARTMENT. 

There  is  no  department  the  natural  working  of  which 
is  more  plainly  to  be  observed,  or  more  subject  to  criti- 
cism by  the  public,  than  the  highway  department.  There 
is  no  department  where  our  needs  are  greater  in  propor- 
tion to  our  ability  of  fulfillment.  The  profile  of  our 
streets,  of  which  it  is  said  that  “one-half  run  up  hill  and 
the  other  half  run  down,”  makes  them  exceedingly  expen- 
sive to  maintain.  Under  present  law  the  management  of 
this  department  is  not  under  control  of  the  mayor  or 
council : it  is  useless,  therefore,  to  make  suggestions  to  you 
concerning  the  same.  You  have  authority  only  to  vote 
appropriations  and  order  construction  work,  its  efficient 
accomplishment  lies  with  the  highway  commission.  It  is 
for  you  to  designate  new  construction  work  in  such  way 
as  to  have  something  to  show  for  it,  and  to  lay  out  new 
streets  with  careful  foresight  for  the  city’s  interests.  It 
should  be  remembered  that  expensive  macadam  or  paving 
should  not  be  designated  for  streets  liable  to  be  torn  up 
by  the  sewer  department  in  the  necessary  process  of  the 
separation  of  storm  water  and  house  drainage,  the  work 
of  which  in  our  principal  streets  will  soon  begin. 

LIQUOR  LICENSES. 

For  the  seventh  consecutive  year  the  people  have  voted 
for  license  and  this  year  by  substantial  majority,  an  indi- 
cation that  they  are  reasonably  satisfied  with  the  present 
method  of  handling  the  question.  I expect  licensees  to 
observe  carefully  the  laws  laid  down  for  them  regarding 
the  sale  of  intoxicating  liquors;  on  the  other  hand,  legal- 
ized liquor  dealers  should  have  the  protection  and  con- 
sideration belonging  to  them  under  the  law. 

POLICE  DEPARTMENT. 

The  real  test  of  value  of  a police  department  lies  in  its 
constant  achievement  of  efficient  service,  and  its  work,  it 
should  be  borne  in  mind,  is  always  before  the  public  eye. 


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Semi-military  as  it  is  in  its  character  and  duties,  the 
maintenance  of  strict  discipline,  as  well  as  coordinate 
work  of  its  members,  is  absolutely  necessary  to  its  use- 
fulness. No  department  of  administration  requires  more 
constant  exercise  of  intelligent  action,  good  judgment  and 
common  sense  than  the  police  department.  The  citizens 
of  Fitchburg  have  become  accustomed  to  consider  our 
guardians  of  the  peace,  in  the  main,  as  loyal,  efficient  and 
faithful,  and  as  a department,  a credit  to  itself  and  to  the 
city. 

PARKS. 

By  the  generous  action  of  Hon.  Arthur  H.  Lowe  and 
the  late  Mr.  Henry  F.  Coggshall,  together  with  the  public 
spiritedness  of  our  citizens  generally,  Fitchburg  now 
stands  the  third  in  New  England  as  a city  of  parks  and 
playgrounds.  We  have  at  present  eleven  parks  and  city 
greens,  six  of  which  are  really  parks ; the  other  five  might 
more  properly  be  called  resting  places.  We  have  also 
seven  playgrounds.  During  the  last  year  the  daily  average 
attendance  at  our  parks  and  playgrounds  has  been  1600, 
the  weekly  average  9000.  This  shows  that  the  people 
are  really  availing  themselves  of  the  opportunities  for 
recreation  which  the  city  provides,  and  that  the  opportu- 
nities for  wholesome  and  healthful  outdoor  pleasures  are 
appreciated.  As  soon  as  we  may,  the  further  development 
of  Coggshall  park  should  have  attention. 

FIRE  DEPARTMENT. 

We  have  learned  to  look  with  confidence  upon  this 
department,  and  with  the  acquisition  of  the  new  com- 
bination chemical  engine  and  hose  motor  ear  recently 
arranged  for,  to  be  used  at  central  station,  I believe  the 
department  will  then  be  in  excellent  condition.  While  the 
first  cost  of  this  apparatus  is  considerable,  the  up-keep 
account  as  handled  by  this  department  is  exceedingly 
small,  and  much  less  than  the  present  horse-drawn  appa- 
ratus. There  is,  of  course,  no  comparison  as  to  the  effi- 
ciency. I consider  it  good  judgment  to  maintain,  and 
increase  when  necessary,  the  efficiency  of  this  important 
branch  of  our  public  service. 


12 


WATER  DEPARTMENT. 

An  abundant  supply  of  pure  water  is  of  inestimable 
value  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  any  city  and  to 
the  health  of  its  people.  Fitchburg  has  thus  far  been  for- 
tunate in  this  respect.  We  shall  soon,  however,  be  con- 
fronted by  the  problem  of  increasing  our  water  supply  to 
meet  the  demand  of  a fast-growing  population  and  an 
ever-increasing  number  of  manufacturing  establishments. 
Steps  have  already  been  taken  to  secure  more  water 
rights  by  legislative  action,  and  before  the  year  is  passed 
you  will  probably  be  called  to  take  action  on  the  same. 
I urge  your  most  careful  consideration  of  this  very  impor- 
tant question. 

ASSESSMENT  OF  TAXES. 

A just  and  fair  assessment  of  taxes  is  due  all  our  tax- 
payers, and  the  burden  of  taxation  should  be  borne  by 
all  in  reasonable  proportion.  If  there  is  any  improved 
method  whereby  values  can  be  determined  more  concisely 
and  equitably  than  under  the  system  in  present  use  by 
our  assessors,  I feel  that  same  should  be  adopted. 

There  are  other  worthy  administrative  departments 
of  our  city  upon  which  no  comment  will  be  made  at  this 
time,  for  the  reason  that  conditions  seem  satisfactory  and 
no  special  changes  have  been  suggested. 

IN  CONCLUSION. 

Gentlemen,  our  duty  now  is  fairly  before  us  and  it  lies 
in  making  “what  ought  to  be  done  our  first  business.” 
Let  us  meet  such  issues  as  may  arise  in  a fearless  and 
non-partisan  way,  cooperating  together  for  the  welfare  of 
the  whole  city. 

Permit  me  a personal  word,  that  I may  express  my 
grateful  appreciation  to  the  citizens  of  Fitchburg  for  their 
splendid  endorsement.  Its  value  is  enhanced  because  of 
the  knowledge  that  it  came  from  all  our  people  and  from 
all  sections  of  the  city.  It  shall  be  my  most  earnest  en- 
deavor, with  the  cooperation  of  your  city  council,  to  give 
Fitchburg,  from  border  to  border,  a sane  and  progressive 
administration. 


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